When cold winters drove the Fox family from Nebraska, they headed to Central Texas in 2011. But there was one thing the Foxes missed most about Nebraska: Eileen’s Colossal Cookies.

By 2013, Sunnie Fox was looking to contribute more to the community when she decided to bring the small Nebraska franchise to her new home.

“I didn’t even know how to decorate a cookie,” she said. “But I knew it was a great company.”

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, Fox was able to launch and grow the business. Eileen’s sells several cookie options—from raw dough to 16-inch personalized cookie cakes—and Fox said the most popular flavors include snickerdoodle, chocolate chip and sugar cookie. Delivery is available in Cedar Park, or customers can stop in or go through the drive-thru to pick up cookies that are made from scratch.

Fox said one of her favorite things about running the bakery is making connections in the community.

“We have kids who we’ve done a cookie cake for every birthday now,” she said. “We’re getting to watch the area grow up.”

Eileen’s has helped several local organizations with fundraising opportunities and donations. Fox said the store also participates in local high school vocational programs, which offer students a glimpse at life inside a bakery.

As a member of the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce and winner of the chamber’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, Fox strongly advocates supporting small businesses.

“It’s easy to say you support small business but then just drive to the big-box store,” she said. “It takes a conscious effort to support local companies, but you’re helping out the people who live right here.”

Eileen’s is a family business—Fox’s sister works as the head decorator, and Fox’s two children occasionally help in the store. Fox said one of the best things about being a local business owner has been being recognized outside of the store.

“It’s such a great feeling to be a part of this community,” she said. “Even the mayor gets our cookies.”

Eileen’s Colossal Cookies 401 W. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. C-800, Cedar Park 512-456-7110 www.eileenscookiescp.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sun.